Discover Zingela
A Hidden Gem of the Limpopo Bushveld
Discover Zingela
A Vision Realised
Zingela Nature Reserve embarked on a transformative journey in 1997. Once agricultural lands, the reserve began its ecological restoration by reintroducing iconic species such as buffalo, sable, and roan antelope. Over time, this commitment to conservation expanded to include rhino, giraffe, zebra, kudu, and many other native animals.
In 2007, Markus Jebsen’s lifelong passion for Africa and wildlife conservation led him to invest in Zingela. His vision was to create a sanctuary where these magnificent creatures could roam freely. Under his guidance, the reserve evolved into a haven for biodiversity, restoring balance to the ecosystem.
Rhino Conservation
The rhino population has faced a devastating crisis across Southern Africa, with poaching numbers increasing by a staggering 9,000% since 2007. Zingela Nature Reserve was not immune to this poaching epidemic, suffering significant rhino losses. Despite relentless anti-poaching efforts, the difficult decision was made to relocate the remaining rhinos to a secure wildlife sanctuary in Botswana to safeguard their survival.
Leopard Monitoring Project
Since 2014, Zingela has been diligently monitoring its leopard population through an annual camera trap survey. Over 40 camera traps strategically placed across the reserve’s 27,000 hectares, primarily near water sources and high wildlife activity areas, capture invaluable data. This project enables us to track leopard numbers, identify territories, and gain insights into their behaviour.
Beyond leopards, our camera trap network has also provided crucial information about other elusive predators, including civets, caracals, servals, brown hyenas, cheetahs, and African wildcats.
Cheetah Collaring Project
Zingela Nature Reserve has long been a refuge for cheetahs, providing a sanctuary amidst the dwindling habitat available to these magnificent big cats. While we have monitored their presence through camera traps, gaining a deeper understanding of their behaviour requires more in-depth research.
South Africa is home to approximately 1,300 cheetahs, with half of these relying on increasingly fragmented farmlands for survival. Agricultural activities have significantly impacted cheetah habitat, limiting their ability to roam freely and hunt effectively. Zingela has become a crucial haven for these vulnerable animals.
To enhance our cheetah conservation efforts, we are initiating a cheetah collaring project. By tracking individual cheetahs, we can gather invaluable data on their movements, behaviour, and range. This information will inform our conservation strategies and contribute to the broader protection of this iconic species.
Your support is essential to the success of this project. Donations will help fund the purchase of collars, equipment, and the expertise required for this critical research.
Preserving Wildlife
Long-Term Conservation Goals
Zingela is committed to creating a world-class sanctuary for South Africa’s most iconic species. Our ultimate vision is to restore a balanced ecosystem by reintroducing elephants, lions, and wild dogs to the reserve. We are dedicated to protecting the unique biodiversity of the Limpopo Valley and plan to expand our reserve to create a vital wildlife corridor along the Limpopo River.
Support Our Conservation Efforts
Your support is crucial in achieving our conservation goals. By donating to Zingela, you contribute directly to protecting endangered species and restoring their natural habitat. We believe in transparency and will keep our donors informed about project progress through regular updates on our social media channels.